National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries). NOAA Fisheries is one of the agency’s largest program offices and it works to ensure productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems. NOAA Fisheries works in partnership with Regional Fishery Management Councils to assess and predict the status of fish stocks, set catch limits, ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, and reduce bycatch. 

NOAA Fisheries is also responsible for the conservation, protection, and recovery of endangered and threatened marine species under the Endangered Species Act, and for the conservation, management, and protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

As an attorney-advisor, you will work closely with experienced biologists and fishery managers in developing and reviewing regulations, permits, policies, and other agency actions relating to the management and conservation of marine resources. Key laws include the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Northern Pacific Halibut Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Fur Seal Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This position requires interaction with other NOAA General Counsel Office attorneys, scientists, policy makers and technical staff, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Department of Commerce officials, other Federal and state agency officials, tribal representatives and members of Alaska Native organizations, members of the regulated community, and representatives of public interest organizations. It also involves active participation, in concert with U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, in defending NOAA actions challenged under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, ESA, MMPA, and other similar laws.

Conditions of employment

• Position is in excepted service.
• Applicants must successfully complete a background security investigation.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment.
• Applicant must be a US citizen or National to apply for this position.
• Must complete a 2 year trial period unless a preference eligible veteran.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)

All applicants must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, and must be an active member in good standing of a State bar; the bar of the District of Columbia; the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the bar of one of the U.S. Territories or the bar of one of the U.S. Possessions.

This position has an educational requirement. Official Transcripts must be submitted upon selection. 

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

NOAA seeks attorneys with a comprehensive knowledge of Federal environmental statutes and conservation laws.

Applicants must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to identify and resolve complex legal issues. Applicants also must demonstrate the ability to manage large projects independently, assimilate large amounts of materials quickly, balance a large and diverse workload, and work effectively in a team with other attorneys and support staff.

Qualifications for this position that are preferred, but not required, include: civil or criminal litigation experience; strong research and writing skills; a demonstrated interest and experience in environmental or natural resource issues; and a demonstrated interest and experience in international issues. 

Significant academic achievement in law school (such as graduation in top third of the class, graduation with honors, judicial clerking experience, or participation in moot court or laws review) will be favorably considered. Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to public sector work, particularly in conservation of natural resources, will also be favorably considered. 

All applicants must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, and must be an active member in good standing of a State bar; the bar of the District of Columbia; the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the bar of one of the U.S. Territories or the bar of one of the U.S. Possessions.

Applicants must demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations; and must be willing to contribute to a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and appreciates differences.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the Qualifications described above. Please be advised that NOAA Attorney positions are in the Excepted Service. As such, these positions are not covered by the usual civil service hiring procedures.

There is no numerical rating system through which to apply veterans preference; however, the NOAA Office of General Counsel considers veterans preference eligibility as a positive factor in hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume, and to attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD214 Form or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.

Your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the qualifications for the position. Selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointment to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service and require a new probationary period.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
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